The San Francisco Giants mascot is a staple of all the team's home games, and his durability is now beginning to get recognized by those across baseball.
What's truly incredible about the lovable seal mascot, though, is that Joel Zimei, the man beneath the suit, hasn't missed a home game in nearly 13 years, according to The Associated Press.
When the Giants wrap up their season on Wednesday, Zimei will have entertained the Giants faithful for 1,054 straight home games, which dates back to the final days of Candlestick Park.
Appearing in front of thousands of fans on nearly a nightly basis has become so common place for Zimei that he's essentially become Lou Seal.
"It's almost automatic, no matter how I'm feeling,'' Zimei told The Associated Press. "It's like hitting an involuntary switch and I just become Lou. After 13 years, sooner or later, it just blends.''
Zimei, who noted that the streak is the longest such, said that he's battled through any injuries he's had over the years, which includes a broken hand he suffered after punching a brick wall at the season finale in 2004 when he realized the Giants had not made the postseason.
